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The Odisha unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a State-wide satyagraha demanding action against Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev who ploughed his SUV into crowd on Saturday in a drunken state, injuring scores.
Condemning the conduct of the legislator, leaders and workers of the saffron party staged protest covering their faces with black clothes in front of Block and district headquarters across the State.
The protesting BJP activists demanded the expulsion of Jagdev from the Biju Janata Dal. The Chilika MLA was earlier suspended from the party on charges of anti-party activities.
"Every time the election approaches, the ruling BJD turns violent. The party is trying to eliminate the opposition. They don't believe in democracy, they believe in terrorism," BJP leader Babu Singh alleged.
Reacting to the allegations levelled by BJP, the ruling BJD said the opposition party was trying to politicise the matter.
"The district administration and police have already said stringent action will be taken against Jagdev once he gets discharged from the hospital. The BJP is politicising the issue," BJD MLA Pramila Mallick said.
Notably, at least 22 persons, including seven police personnel, were injured when Jagdev rammed his SUV into the crowd in front of Banpur Block office in Khordha district on Saturday.
Eye-witnesses alleged that the MLA was drunk when he rammed the vehicle into the crowd which later bashed him up after catching hold of him.
